ACC opens investigation into new seaplane terminal

A case regarding the new seaplane terminal being developed in Velana International Airport has been submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The case confirmed by the ACC seeks to stop the terminal from being awarded to a specific company that might be detrimental to the government. It was submitted on December 2 and is under investigation by the ACC.

Currently, seaplane services in the Maldives are provided by Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), Maldivian and Manta Air with rumors of a possible entry into the market by Flyme also circulating.

Talks that the terminal will be awarded to TMA has previously surfaced and was inquired by the Parliament as well.

On the request of the Parliament, the Auditor General’s office also carried out an audit of the terminal which was not publicized but was reported to be profitable if run by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) according to some media sources.

Moosa Solih, acting Managing Director of MACL has previously stated that the new terminal will be run by MACL and the operations of the companies that are currently in the market would be moved to the new terminal in a manner that would not be disruptive.

The agreement with TMA means that the current service facilities run by the company at the airport would remain with TMA, according to Moosa.

“The contract is still in running. This is the middle of the (tourist) season, there is also a season upcoming. So, we are trying to bring this change as smoothly as possible,”

“The largest portion is for TMA. Around 65 percent to 70 percent of seaplane operations carrying passengers are conducted by TMA. So, we will be transferring them part by part, that way it does not disrupt their operations.” said Moosa.

TMA currently operates three terminals.

“The beginning of the upcoming year will see operators allocated space, and it will be a few months before they can begin providing services. So, we expect that the whole operation can be moved here (to the new terminal) by May,” said Moosa.

MACL also expects its income to increase by MVR 300 million with the operation of the new terminal. The work on the new terminal was awarded to the Chinese company Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) for USD 40 million.